Lost and Found

"I am not lost. I just have not arrived yet."

Technology has made it more difficult to be lost. With the GPS, it is simply a matter of following directions. Therein is the problem. How many times have you heard from your voice GPS--"redirecting" or "make a u-turn". Eventually there is going to be a voice activated GPS that will ask the question, "is there anyone else in this vehicle who could drive?"

In dealing with the lost, we are most like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal son. He is the one that was not happy to see the failure of a son to come home. The elder brother became even more unhappy when he saw the benefits of coming home. It was not right. In his eyes, the elder brother thought HE should get everything and the younger brother nothing but grief. The elder brother missed the party.

God seeks the lost. Whether we do or not, God seeks the lost. God puts before the lost landmarks that lead them back home. Have you seen these?

Steeples with crosses high above the world are there for the lost to see when searching. Kindness and compassion in people who may not even know they are signs of God. And best of all, God invites us to be ready to celebrate when the lost are found.

Some folks find it difficult to go home after being gone. It may be the reason that many do not return to the church that once stirred their soul. They are ashamed. They are afraid of all the elder brothers waiting to denounce them.

There is an old hymn that says what the lost need to hear. The words are "softly and tenderly Jesus is waiting.....calling O Sinner, come home."

If you are lost, come home. The Father is waiting to love you. If you happen to meet the lost, be a sign to them of God's forgiveness and compassion. Encourage them. Welcome them. Celebrate with them.

In the Master's Name,

Rev. Dr. M Jack O'Dell
Lead Pastor
The Well UMC

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